The following are videos that have inspired me, both as a creative writer and, simply, a person.
These videos differ greatly from one another. Brilliance, in my mind at least, can be found in a spectrum that stretches from silly advertisements to profound thoughts, from witty sarcasm to a lifetime of dedication to one’s craft.
Here are seven of my greatest inspirations. I hope you find whatever you need in them.
Stephen Fry Kinetic Typography – Language
A summation of language that I wholly agree with. A blatant attack at grammar nazis, Fry hits all the points while he describes how the beauty of language often goes unnoticed by babbling buffoons going on about a stray apostrophe or a misused too, you’re, or there.
Inlingua
This is one of my favorite advertisements of all time. The manipulation of language is awesome, and my smile grows wider as the commercial continues. Truly a remarkable example of how a writer can have fun with words.
Sir Ken Robinson: Do Schools Kill Creativity?
An interesting take on how our society is teaching children out of creativity, discouraging imagination. I was filled with creative energy because of this.
Elizabeth Gilbert – Nurturing Creativity
I read Eat, Pray, Love. and I didn’t like it at all, but Gilbert gave a great presentation for TED. This video reinvigorated my hope as a writer, giving me the push I needed.
An Evening with Ray Bradbury
A legend in the field, Ray Bradbury is one of those guys that will always make you smile. There are countless Bradbury videos I could have put on this list. He always has something intelligent, inspiring, and helpful to say to young writers. I encourage you to check out more of this man’s videos, as I’m sure you’ll be smiling through each and every one.
Stephen King at the University of Dayton 1982
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G56PLn5RV0o
Another legend. Stephen King always has something to say about writing or about other writers, but this video collection (this being 1 of 8) is a trip back in time to a young King, a King that was only just beginning to see the success of his writing career.
George Carlin – The Seven Words (nsfw)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_Nrp7cj_tM
George Carlin is the best comedic storyteller ever, in my mind at least, and he’s created countless jokes that were birthed by brilliant ideas and exceptional writing. The Seven Words is one of his most famous sketches, but this is another person where you’ll find yourself enjoying any video of his that you come across.
Stephen Hawking – Asking Big Questions About the Universe
Hawking’s explanations and theories of the universe are astounding. This video in particular struck a chord with me in a serious way, especially the end bit. If you’ve never heard the words of such a brilliant mind before, it’s well worth your time to experience it now.
